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Thor 3

So back in 2008 Marvel and DC really started swinging. DC took a few jabs and hooks in the early rounds, with the Dark Knight trilogy, but nothing devastating. Marvel really started to wear them down with the beginning of Phase II. Yea DC got a knock down with Man of Steel, but Marvel was up by 4 count. It was late in the fight when Marvel hit DC hard with uppercut called Guardians of The Galaxy. They seemed content to with the points in the bag and they’d just wait out the fight, win by decision. DC started swinging for the fences, boom, Justice League and an entire slate of films. DC was going for the knock out. Until to day, when we all realized Marvel was just rocking the rope-a-dope, and kaboom. Knockout punch. Marvel is the reigning champ.

So when DC released their slate of films in their shareholders meeting it was pretty cool. Named off their upcoming properties, got everyone excited, but in true Marvel fashion they upped the game at completely out of nowhere press event. Disney sent out invitations on Monday inviting media outlets and film pundits to come to a special Marvel Event at the El Capitan Theater. They spent the day dropping their Phase III plans that will cumulate in a 2 part Avengers Infinity War film extravaganza.

The upcoming Phase III reads like this:

Captain America 3: Civil War on May 6 2016

Doctor Strange on November 4 2016

Guardians of the Galaxy 2 on May 5 2017

Thor 3: Ragnarok on July 28 2017

Black Panther(Starring Chadwick Bosewick) on November 3 2017

Avengers: Infinity War part 1 in May 2018

Captain Marvel on July 6 2018

Inhumans on November 2 2018

Avengers: Infinity War Part 2 on May 3 2019

So that’s what we have to look forward too. Before we get into what this all means let’s first look at what is missing. Iron Man 4. Not that it is needed. But it’s odd that it’s not there. And I do not know what the new picture deal is the Robert Downey Jr. and Marvel have come too, but I’d assume it includes both Avengers, Captain America, and either Black Panther, or Guardians 2. I think Black Panther makes more sense, but I’d love to see him Guardians.

Also missing is your solo Hulk film. No personally I don’t think we need a solo Hulk film. Yes the Ed Norton film The Incredible Hulk was good, but not as good as Hulk was in Avengers. However when asked about another solo film for the big ball of rage, Kevin Fiege replied:

“I wouldn’t say Hulk is absent from the timeline. I’d say Hulk is going to appear in many of those movies, particularly all the Avengers movies leading up to the Infinity War. Mark Ruffalo is on board for all those films and we’re excited for all those films. What happens with a standalone Hulk film? I’m going to say what I would have said about Black Panther last week or Captain Marvel before that, or Guardians of the Galaxy two years ago or Ant-Man ten years ago: We’ll see. We’d love to do it, we’d love to find a place to put it, but right now Hulk will be appearing with his friends in the other films.”

So looks like we won’t be getting the big guy by himself, but that’s not to say we won’t be getting him. Where he will show up is anybody’s guess.

Well that leaves us with an exciting couple of years ahead of us. With as much as they gave us, they Marvel has also created more questions. Like when we will see Hulk. As well we will be looking for casting, who is Captain Marvel? Katee Sackoff? Is Benedict Cumberbatch Dr. Strange? Who will the Inhumans line up, will Black Bolt be a part of it? Is Vin Diesel going to be Black Bolt? Where will Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. play in all of this? How about the Netflix characters? Will they be a part of this? Dare Devil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, Iron Fist? So many questions, so much to come!

Let’s look at Civil War first. The rumor says that after the events of Age of Ultron the government will be coming down on our heroes. And rightfully so. Looks like Iron Man has created the world’s biggest threat, based on something Ant Man began! So who should the Heroes of the world answer too? Welt he government obviously. And I would assume Stark is going to agree do to the creation of Ultron. You know who won’t agree? The worlds number 1 Boy Scout Captain America. This will further the rift between the leading heads of the Avengers and set them on a path that ends shield to flight stabilizer. With Black Panther caught right in the middle. But that’s not all. I predict, rightfully so, that Black Widow, Falcon, and Hawkeye will play crucial parts. But that’s not all. I bet War Machine/Iron Patriot makes his presence felt, as well as, wait for it, The Winter Soldier. That’s right. I’m where else does he fit in? He has to be involved in some potential.

Rumor for Strange says that Benedict Cumberbatch is close to signing. Well so was Phoenix. So I won’t put all my eggs in that basket just yet. I’m ok with the casting, but just okay. Seems like Cumberbatch is up for any and every role, and while I like him, and he’s obvious, I’d love something out of left field. Someone no one is expecting. The introduction of Strange will be significant. Especially if we want an eventual Planet Hulk. Maybe a phase 4 set on World War Hulk?

Black Panther is the one we as fans have been clambering for the most. And finally we will be getting it! And with Chadwick Bozeman no less! I think this is inspiring casting! I loved him in 42, I loved him Glory Road, he played Boobie Miles! And he was The Funk! He is one of the best! His inclusion in this universe really adds another level of talent! Looks like we will be getting hiom first in Civil War, probably without much character development, and we will probably get the real look at him when Black Panther hits us! The concept art is bad ass! If that doesn’t scream awesome, I don’t know what does!

Not much else is known about the other projects. Guardians 2 will look to recapture the magic, while Thor 3 will set us on the path to the Infinity War. Infinity War will be really interesting. Especially with the comments on how the Avenger line up will be forever changed after Age of Ultron. I expect the original line up, and the Guardians not to really make their presence felt until Part 2 in 2019.

However, all though Marvel has knocked out DC with this one, you best believe, DC is prepping for the rematch. We are looking at 30ish superhero films and shows in the next 6 years. The fight will continue, and no matter what happens, I think it is us fans who are the true winners.